For the first time in almost 150 years red kite chicks have hatched in Aberdeenshire and the public are being offered the chance to keep up with their progress via two new CCTV viewing points. The chicks were raised by birds released two years ago as part of the Aberdeen Red Kites re-introduction project, which will have released almost 100 of the birds by the end of the summer.
Jenny Lennon, the Aberdeen Red Kites project officer said, " It’s fantastic to see our recently re-introduced birds raising their first chicks. Being new parents they still have a lot to do to make sure their chicks successfully fledge, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll make it"
Aberdeen Red Kites is a three year project to reintroduce kites to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. 30 birds were released in 2007, 35 in 2008 and another 30-35 will be released in July this year. Many of the birds have been named by schools and local business.
CCTV pictures from the nest, in association with Forestry Commission Scotland, will be beamed to two points in the city for the public to view, VSA Easter Anguston and St Nicholas Kirk. RSPB staff and volunteers will be at VSA Easter Anguston Farm just off the North Deeside road beyond Culter, at the weekends from 10am-4pm to show the public live pictures from the nest and on Thursdays and Fridays from 12noon to 4pm RSPB staff and volunteers will be at St Nicholas Kirk in the city centre, with the latest recorded nest footage. The public will be able to see the nest pictures until the chicks fledge and leave the nest in mid-July.
The Aberdeen Red Kites project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Aberdeen Greenspace through the Landfill Community Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage, with additional contributions from local businesses Stewart Milne Group and Raeburn, Christie, Clarke and Wallace.
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scotland, said: "What a thrill! These chicks are the pinnacle of success for this project and mark the beginning of a new era for the Red Kite in Aberdeen. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to have been able to help reverse the fate of these rare birds. They are part of Scotland’s heritage and their spectacular antics can be enjoyed by all."
Alister Clunas, Aberdeen Greenspace said, "There has been huge public interest and support for the project with schools, businesses, groups and individuals adopting and naming red kites. Now they will have the opportunity to follow the daily drama on CCTV as the young parent birds attempt to rear their first young to fledging."
Maggie Laws of SNH said: "When so much wildlife news is about species in decline or disappearing, it’s great to hear about one managing to re-establish a toehold after such a long absence. Having disappeared mainly through historical persecution, it is wonderful to see how much more "welcome" they are today. Having their progress filmed will bring them to everyone – the north east’s own reality TV show !!
John Duncan Farm Manager at VSA Easter Anguston said, "We’re really looking forward to seeing the live pictures of the red kite nest, my only worry is how we’ll get all our work done, while watching the screen!"
Rev Stephen Taylor of St Nicholas Kirk said, " We are privileged and delighted to be involved with the project and very happy to be welcoming people into the Kirk to see the red kites."
For more information about the project go to www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/aberdeen_kites/index.asp